Question

Answer in about 40 words: What is called 'a first day cover' as narrated by Charley?
(From 'The Third Level' by Jack Finney)

Hint:

Charley in 'The Third Level' is an enthusiastic stamp collector; the term is a philately (stamp-collecting) term.

Answer 1

Final Answer:
It refers to a philatelic envelope carrying a newly released postage stamp cancelled on its release date, something stamp collectors like Charley specially prize and preserve.